When football season kicks off, few foods pair as perfectly with the excitement of the game as chicken wings. Whether you’re tailgating or hosting a watch party, wings have become a staple for game-day celebrations. Even major pizza chains like Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa Johns have jumped into the wing arena, offering their take on this popular snack. But which pizza chain offers the best wings?
In this taste test, I sampled wings from Pizza Hut, Domino’s, and Papa Johns to see which brand has perfected the art of saucy, crispy, and flavorful wings.
Below, you’ll find a detailed ranking of the wings from each chain, along with flavor descriptions, nutrition facts, and overall impressions. Let’s dive in and discover which chain scored a touchdown with its wings in 2024.
Domino’s Wings
Nutrition (Hot Buffalo Wings, Per 8 Pieces):
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 40g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
- Sodium: 3,040mg
- Carbs: 18g (Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 0g)
- Protein: 30g
Domino’s was the first major pizza chain to add wings to its menu back in 1994. With a variety of flavors like Hot Buffalo, Sweet Mango Habanero, Honey BBQ, and Garlic Parmesan, they aim to cater to all taste preferences.
The Look: The Hot Buffalo wings arrived with minimal sauce, barely coating the small drumsticks and flats. The Sweet Mango Habanero wings fared slightly better, with a sticky, glazed appearance.
The Taste: Domino’s Buffalo sauce tasted generic and lacked the depth of flavor you’d expect from a good Buffalo wing. The chicken itself was disappointing—mushy breading with little meat, making the experience lackluster. On the bright side, the Sweet Mango Habanero flavor delivered a decent balance of sweet and spicy, but it wasn’t enough to redeem the overall wing quality.
Final Thoughts: Domino’s wings left much to be desired, with poor presentation and underwhelming flavors. It may be time for another wing upgrade.
Papa Johns Wings
Nutrition (Buffalo Wings, Per 8 Pieces):
- Calories: 840
- Fat: 58g (Saturated Fat: 15g)
- Sodium: 2,920mg
- Carbs: 8g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g)
- Protein: 67g
Papa Johns introduced wings in 2004 as a way to enhance its pizza offering. Today, the chain offers traditional and boneless wings with sauce options like Buffalo, BBQ, Honey Chipotle, and Garlic Parmesan.
The Look: The wings appeared larger than Domino’s, with a noticeable char from the oven-baked cooking method. The Buffalo and BBQ sauces looked thicker and more appealing, creating hope for a more flavorful bite.
The Taste: Papa Johns’ wings performed better than Domino’s, but still fell short of being exceptional. The Buffalo sauce was thick but lacked the spicy kick you’d expect, while the BBQ sauce was sweet and tasted like a standard store-bought variety. The wings had a crisp texture, but the chicken inside wasn’t as juicy as it could be.
Final Thoughts: Papa Johns’ wings are decent but not memorable. They deliver on texture but could use a flavor upgrade.
Pizza Hut Wings
Nutrition (Buffalo Medium Traditional Bone-In Wings, Per 6 Pieces):
- Calories: 590
- Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
- Sodium: 2,230mg
- Carbs: 29g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g)
- Protein: 55g
Pizza Hut, through its WingStreet brand, has committed to offering a high-quality wing experience. With flavors ranging from Mild and Medium Buffalo to Burnin’ Hot, Garlic Parmesan, and Cajun-style dry rub, Pizza Hut offers more variety than its competitors. The wings are deep-fried rather than baked, setting them apart in terms of preparation.
The Look: Pizza Hut’s wings were noticeably larger and better coated in sauce. The Buffalo wings had a rich orange hue, and the Spicy Garlic wings glistened with sauce, making them visually appealing.
The Taste: The wings from Pizza Hut were the clear winners in this test. The chicken was juicy, flavorful, and well-cooked, with a satisfying crunch from the deep-frying process. The Buffalo sauce had the right amount of tangy heat, while the Spicy Garlic sauce offered a savory punch with a hint of spice. The wings were meaty, making each bite more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts: Pizza Hut’s WingStreet wings are top-tier, delivering the best combination of flavor, texture, and quality.
Wing Comparison Table
| Brand | Calories (8 pieces) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Taste Rating | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domino’s | 520 | 40 | 3,040 | 5/10 | $9.99 |
| Papa Johns | 840 | 58 | 2,920 | 6.5/10 | $7.49 |
| Pizza Hut | 590 | 28 | 2,230 | 9/10 | $9.99 |
Conclusion:
After trying wings from three of the biggest pizza chains, Pizza Hut’s WingStreet wings came out on top in terms of flavor, size, and overall satisfaction. If you’re looking for the perfect wings to complement your pizza on game day, Pizza Hut is the clear winner.
Papa Johns offers decent wings but could use some improvements in flavor, while Domino’s unfortunately needs another wing overhaul. So, next time you’re ordering pizza for a football party, consider adding Pizza Hut wings to your spread—they’re bound to be a hit!
FAQs
1. Which Pizza Chain Has The Best Wings?
Pizza Hut, with its WingStreet wings, offers the best quality wings in terms of flavor, texture, and size.
2. Are Domino’s Wings Spicy?
Domino’s Buffalo wings have a mild heat level, but they lack the depth of flavor you’d expect from a good Buffalo sauce.
3. What Is The Healthiest Option Among These Wings?
Pizza Hut’s wings have fewer calories and fat compared to Papa Johns, making them a slightly healthier choice.
4. Can You Customize The Cooking Style Of Wings At These Chains?
Papa Johns offers a “well-done” option for crispier wings, while Pizza Hut deep-fries its wings for a crunchier texture.
5. Are Boneless Wings Available At These Chains?
Yes, all three chains—Domino’s, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut—offer boneless wings in addition to traditional bone-in options.
